Forest Information
The Deschutes National Forest is located in central Oregon and is
comprised of 1,605,297 acres. There are about 104 developed
campgrounds of which 59 meet the selection criteria.
The Deschutes National Forest has several distinctive
personalities linked by three National Scenic Byways - the wild
personality of a gentle forest land; the tranquil personality
around its many lakes; rushing rivers, challenging trails, and
fighting fish reflect the adventurous personality; and the
volcanic landscape reminds visitors of its dynamic and changing
personality. The Scenic Byways provide access to each of the
Deschutes's personalities, wonders, and recreational
opportunities. Beautiful scenery, unique discoveries, wonderful
adventures, and delightful forest experiences await anyone
interested in a super camping vacation. A wide variety of car,
tent, and recreation vehicle (RV) camping provide visitors with
good locations for discovering, exploring, and enjoying the
Deschutes National Forest.
Many people first experience Deschutes National Forest from their
vehicle via one of the National Scenic Byways that cris-cross the
Forest. Oregon's Outback Byway begins (or ends) near the
community of LaPine and stretches some 171 miles to Lakeview, OR.
This route winds through open prairies with alternating fields of
hay and sagebrush and between towering pine and spruce-covered
mountain ranges. This is the "lonesome" part of the Forest where
livestock and wildlife easily out number humans.
Vistas along the Outback National Scenic Byway go on forever
while the traffic and population centers are few and far apart.
This cannot be said for the two other Byways in the Deschutes
National Forest. Specifically, the Cascades Lakes and McKenzie
Pass-Santiam Pass National Scenic Byways have awesome views of
central Oregon as they wind passed populated areas.
The McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass starts in Sisters, OR and almost
immediately climbs to 4,817 feet. Santiam Pass on US Rt. 20,
turns south onto State Rt. 126 and then, at State Rt. 242, it
heads east up and over McKenzie Pass (5,324-ft) before returning
to Sisters. (Note: State Rt. 242 has a total 35-ft length
limitation on all vehicles.) The whole route is 82 miles long
and offers some of the most magnificent, breath taking views in
Oregon. This route illustrates Oregon's "fire and ice" geologic
history. From overlooks along the Byway visitors can enjoy
panoramic views of glacier-carved mountains. The Byway also goes
through old-growth forests, has stops for walks beside thundering
rivers and waterfalls, and there is vast field of lava at the Dee
Wright Observatory located on top of McKenzie Pass. It is a
great way to discover what the Deschutes has to offer.
Visitors get a very different view of the Deschutes National
Forest along the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway. Nicknamed
the Deschutes' "String of Pearls," this Byway, designated Forest
Route 46, stretches some 66 miles in the shadow of the Cascade
Mountain range from Bend to west of Crescent, OR. The nickname
is derived from numerous lakes along the Byway. These lakes
range from the enormous man-made Wickiup Reservoir to the scenic,
world-renowned fishery of Hosmer Lake. However, for some
visitors the "pearls" are really the adventures and experiences
they found in the Forest. Examples are: watching an eagle soar;
paddle across a lake with the rising sun reflected in the water's
calm surface; seeing an osprey catch dinner; hiking or mountain
biking in nearly pristine areas; winning the battle with a
fighting trout; seeing wildlife, free and unafraid, in their
natural habitats; enjoying a quiet moment as the day fades; and
stars sparkling around Mt Bachelor, Broken Top, and South Sister
mountains. These are just a few of the "pearls" awaiting
visitors to the Cascades Lake National Scenic Byways.
For visitors who want to spend more time exploring and enjoying
the delights along any of these Byways, there are several
developed campgrounds nearby. There are Link Creek, South Shore,
and Blue Bay campgrounds just below US Rt. 20, next to Suttle
Lake and Cold Springs campgrounds just off State Rt. 242. The
number of campgrounds along Forest Rt. 46 are
many and most are within a short drive of the Byway. A few
are: Lava Lake and Little Lava Lake campgrounds at the
headwater of the Deschutes River and offering spectacular views
of the surrounding mountains; Quinn Meadow Horse Camp, an
attractive horse campground with such character, non-equestrians
want to stay there; and Gull Point campground, on the north shore
of Wickiup Reservoir, has spacious campsites with parking aprons
large enough for any size recreation vehicle with a power boat in
tow.
There are some outstanding areas for recreation not on a National
Scenic Byway. Two worthy of mention is the Metolius River and
Newberry Volcanic National Monument (a.k.a., Newberry Crater).
Metolius River has been a favorite summer vacation spot for
decades, evident from the number of summer cabins along the
river's banks at the tiny community of Camp Sherman. There are
some Resorts in the Camp Sherman area and some Forest
Service developed campgrounds, several of which were built by the
Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. The Newberry
Volcanic National Monument, with its varied volcanic geology,
many sights to see, miles of trails, pleasant campgrounds,
boating and fishing opportunities, two full service Resorts, and
proximity to Bend, OR, make the area a destination for campers to
consider. Other camping areas that have fewer recreation
opportunities, and therefore smaller crowds, but do have their
own special features, are Three Creek Lake and Driftwood
campgrounds adjacent to the Three Sisters Wilderness, and Perry South campground on the massive Lake Billy
Chinook.
The biggest "problem" with Deschutes National Forest is it offers
far too much for just one or two visits. It is a Forest where
each visit can be a varied and different forest experience.
Campers, hikers, bicyclists, anglers, off-road enthusiasts,
photographers, bird watchers, and others have discovered and
enjoyed the Deschutes National Forest. Discover what so many
have already learned - Deschutes National Forest is a special
place.
ADDRESSES
SUPERVISOR ADDRESS
1001 SW Emkay Drive
Bend, Oregon 97702
541-383-5300
RANGER DISTRICT ADDRESSES
Bend-Fort Rock
1230 NE 3rd St., Suite A-262
Bend, Oregon 97701
541-383-4000
Crescent
P.O. Box 208
136471 Hwy 97 N
Crescent, Oregon 97733
541-433-3200
Sisters
POB 249
Pine St & Hwy. 20
Sisters, Oregon 97759
541-549-7700
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